New Products for Dental Month!

February is Dental Health Month here at Green Meadows Veterinary Hospital!Periodontal disease affects 85% of dogs and cats by age 3, making it one of the most common diseases we see.Periodontal disease occurs around the outside of the tooth near and beneath the gum line.We are excited to offer two new products that can help prevent plaque on your petâs teeth- Healthy Mouth water additive and Oravet gel.Plaque (bacteria mixed with saliva) starts being deposited on the enamel of the tooth as soon as the permanent tooth erupts in a puppy or kitten.When plaque is allowed to remain on the tooth and is not brushed off, it mineralizes into tartar.Once tartar is formed, it cannot be brushed off.The tartar can harbor harmful bacteria that can damage and infect the teeth, gums, bone and ligaments that surround the teeth.

Healthy Mouth is a dental water additive that uses enzymes, antioxidants and antibacterials to reduce plaque. One study found that it reduced plaque by 71%.Studies have found that daily use of the water additive increased the benefits of other dental home care options, like brushing teeth, dental chews and dental diets.Healthy Mouth does require a clean mouth, so the best results will be seen after an exam and professional cleaning by your veterinarian.Using a water additive can extend the benefits of professional cleanings, increasing the interval between dental procedures.The ingredients are 100% natural and include organic ingredients like pomegranate, blueberry, papaya enzyme, cinnamon extract and clove extract.The cat formulation also includes salmon oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids and fish flavor) and taurine (an essential amino acid).Both the cat and dog formulations are highly palatable and most pets tolerate this water additive very well.Healthy Mouth is also recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization within the American Veterinary Dental College.

The other product we now recommend is Oravet gel.This is a gel that is applied weekly to the teeth and gum line to prevent plaque by preventing the bacteria from attaching to the petâs teeth.This gel is odorless, tasteless and invisible once applied, so it wonât leave a residue or stain on your petâs teeth or hair.It is non-toxic and can be used on pets of any age.Oravet is compatible with tooth brushing, so you can continue to brush your petâs teeth as well as apply the gel for the best home care regimen.You can visit the Oravet website at www.oravet.us.merial.com/index.html to watch a video on how to apply Oravet at home and we are happy to schedule a post-dental recheck and demo appointment to answer any questions.

Along with our new products, we are also offering a discount on dental cleanings scheduled during the month of February.Please call today to schedule a dental evaluation or professional cleaning with one of our veterinarians:614-846-9644.